Chancellors Scholarship Fund,Chancellors Scholarship Fund

Western Sydney University is a global leader in sustainability, including gender equality, ranking #1 in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings  for four consecutive years (2022-2025).

We believe in the transformative power of education to ensure that all women – regardless of their financial circumstances or personal challenges have the opportunity to access a world-class university education and achieve their full potential.

Your support can help remove financial barriers and provide life-changing programs and opportunities for women, striving to build a better future, to stay the course.

Inspiring Leaders of the Future

In 2024, through the generosity of Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page, Western Sydney University received a landmark philanthropic donation of $7.9 million to establish the Harvey Norman® Young Women’s Leadership Academy Led by Katie Page. The program, a first-of-its kind, will increase the social, economic and educational participation of young women in Western Sydney, with a pilot that has commenced at Auburn Girls High School.

Ms Page said this Australian-first in corporate philanthropy was motivated by the impact of her original Western Sydney University scholarship donation of $300,000.

“In the almost 10 years of scholarship support for tertiary students at Western Sydney University, we have witnessed the transformative power of access to education. What began as thirteen scholarships for women from refugee and disadvantaged backgrounds has expanded to over 100 student scholarships. Many of the recipients are now graduates.” – Katie Page

Ms Katie Page, CEO Harvey Norman with students at Auburn Girls High School at the launch of the Harvey Norman® Leadership Academy.

Western Sydney University offers a range of scholarships and support programs specifically designed to assist women in overcoming challenges and excelling in their studies. Your philanthropic support can contribute to initiatives including:

  • Equity Scholarships – Providing financial assistance to women from low socio-economic or rural and regional backgrounds to ensure they can focus on their studies without financial strain.
  • Women in STEM Scholarships – Encouraging women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), where they remain underrepresented.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women’s Scholarships – Supporting Indigenous women in accessing and succeeding in higher education.
  • Scholarships for Women Impacted by Domestic and Family Violence – Helping women rebuild their lives and pursue higher education as a pathway to independence and security.
  • Scholarships for Women with Caring Responsibilities – Assisting women who are balancing their studies with the demands of caring for children, elderly relatives, or family members with disabilities.
  • Leadership Scholarships and Programs for Women – Providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and leadership development to empower women as future leaders in their fields.
  • Emergency Hardship Grants – Offering immediate financial relief to women facing unexpected financial crises, ensuring they can continue their education without disruption.

By making a gift, you are investing in the next generation of female leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Your support ensures that students at Western Sydney University can pursue their dreams, free from financial stress, and go on to make meaningful contributions to their industries and communities.

Every dollar helps to create opportunities, break down barriers, and empower women through education.

Hear from some of our scholarship recipients:

Makiza Hamidy

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), 2024
WSU Community Scholarship Recipient

"The positive impact the scholarship has had on my life is unimaginable. Had I not received this scholarship it would have been impossible for me to achieve my goals in my life.

Because I know the value of receiving things from others, I know the value of everything that I have in my life. I haven’t taken it for granted. It really has helped me a lot – with my journey and with my dreams and achievements."

Micah Honan

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
2023 EJ Dibbs STEM Scholarship for Women Recipient

"When I started at Western, there were very few women, if any, in all of my classes. My experiences have been challenging, however I would not be here without them. 

My scholarship has enabled me to advance my current understanding in my field and has given me more confidence in myself as an engineer. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities this scholarship has unlocked and am excited to see where the future takes me. Thank you for enabling me to achieve my goals."

Sharidan Kearney

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Social Science (Child and Community)
Dr. Jennifer Fraser Undergraduate Scholarship Recipient

"Thanks to the generosity of a donor, like you, I am on my way to meeting my goal to be an Indigenous role model and representative for my generation to strengthen Indigenous communities."

 

We are thankful to our valued donors for supporting female-focused scholarships

Perera Foundation   ●   J.Wyndham Price   ●   Katie Page   ●   Harvey Norman   ●   JG & C Seddon   ●   GE Healthcare   ●   Scentre Group   ●   OTS Australia (Revolution Software Services)   ●   Dr Mark Steglick   ●   Bartier Perry   ●   Frasers Property Australia    ●   Women in Industrial   ●   Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure   ●   CBRE   ●   EJ Dibbs

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to empowering women at Western Sydney University.

*Donations over $2 are tax deductible.